Matthew 26:63

Frustrated by Jesus’ silence the high priest tried to cut through to the basic issue. Did Jesus claim to be the Messiah or not?

"In terms of the plot of Matthew’s story, this unexpected query raises the problem as to the source from which the high priest has even gotten the idea to question Jesus about being the Son of God. This source is Jesus himself and his narration of the parable of the wicked husbandmen [Matthew 21:33-45]. As the presiding officer of the Sanhedrin, the high priest has knowledge of the claim to divine sonship which Jesus made in telling his parable to the chief priests and the elders. At the trial, therefore, the high priest seizes on Jesus’ own claim . . . and hurls it back at Jesus as a weapon by which to destroy him." [Note: Kingsbury, Matthew as . . ., p. 87.]

Caiaphas demanded that Jesus answer under oath by the living God. "Son of God" was an equivalent title with "Messiah" (cf. Matthew 2:15; Matthew 3:17; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 16:13-20). If Jesus refused to answer, He would break an oath imposed on Him legally by the high priest. If He denied the charge, He would have had no further influence even though the Sanhedrin might acquit Him. If He affirmed the charge, He would appear to be an impostor given the presuppositions of the Sanhedrin. From their viewpoint, the Messiah would not allow others to imprison Him and put His life in jeopardy.